Was That the Best Time to Send That Email?

Here in Wisconsin, we are enjoying a late-winter/early-spring snowstorm. The weather experts are referring to it as a blizzard. We'll see if it truly lives up to the hype.

The storm has been on the radar, both figuratively and literally, for days. I think over the weekend they were already gently warning us to be prepared for heavy snow on Wednesday. These forecasts must always be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism, of course. Meteorology isn't really an exact science. One never knows for certain when a system will change direction, gain strength, or weaken. But no one around here can say they didn't know that there was a possibility of significant snowfall.

So I was a bit surprised when I received an email newsletter today from a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. The subject: It's time for the changing of the guard. They advised, "Now that the snow has melted, it's time to get your snow blower tucked away and prep your lawn mower for another busy summer." That was followed by a list of helpful maintenance tips. Those hints might be appreciated by subscribers wanting to keep their equipment in good shape for years to come.

But hold on. Even though the season's snow had melted, aren't we due for another big batch soon, as in today? Perhaps it's not quite time to store the winter tools. 

I understand that customer communications are planned and created in advance. I also understand that the process can be automated to send out mailings at a designated time. I have to wonder, though, if anyone in that marketing department thought, just for a moment over the past week, that perhaps the mailing should be delayed or include an alternate topic. Maybe they did. Nobody asked my opinion. Their name is still top-of-mind for me, even though I don't have the most favorable impression right at this exact moment.

'Tis true what they say about the best laid plans, especially when it comes to weather in Wisconsin. But I hope that these folks, and you if you're in the field, remember to double check your details from start to finish, and at a few points in between.

Today Is More Than Pi Day

Twenty-one years ago, on March 14, 1995, I don't think I'd heard of Pi Day. I had other things on my mind. I had been expecting a delivery on March 4 (which happens to be Grammar Day), but it was late, and I was becoming impatient...and uncomfortable.

I hadn't slept well the night before. I convinced myself they were simply more Braxton Hicks contractions. (Yes, it was that type of delivery that I was expecting.) Perhaps we didn't have cable TV, because the only thing I remember finding to watch was a Susan Powter infomercial. I muddled through the rest of the night so I could go to work on Tuesday. Had to clean up my desk and tie up any loose ends to prepare for maternity leave. Wednesday would be a day to just relax and complete any "nesting" at home before having labor induced on Thursday. Wasn't particularly looking forward to that, but it was time. I went about my business, finishing up what I could, still denying the signs of labor. I'm not sure why I wasn't ready to admit it since in my heart, I knew that it was starting.

After a full day, I headed home around 5:30. Supper was almost ready, so I just sat down for a minute to relax. What? What's that sensation? Oh, that's what it's like when your water breaks. Not nearly as dramatic as it is on television. Changed into dry, comfy clothes and called the doctor. It wasn't what I expected, but they told me that labor could still continue for days after that. Gee, that wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear. But the contractions were close enough that we were instructed to go to the hospital. 

Of course I had a bag packed, so there was no crazy rush gathering things around the house. A mere five-minute drive later, we were there, checking in, changing into a gown, and getting comfortable (as much as one can get comfortable in that condition). As "luck" would have it (*sarcasm*), my OB/GYN was not available. And of the three remaining doctors in the practice, which we'd met during earlier appointments, it was my least favorite on call that evening. Not much I could do about that anyway, and in hindsight, it didn't really matter to me in the big picture. 

I declined the epidural, vowing to "be strong." I also declined the offer of a mirror so I could see the process. No, thank you. I pretty much know what's going on down there. Perhaps my body reacted to not being crazy about the doctor, because it seemed like whenever he came into the room to check on things, the contractions stopped. As long as he was there to make the official "catch," that was really all I needed him for. By time I thought that perhaps some pain medication wouldn't be such a bad idea, I was told it was too late. Oh, well. Let's do this, then!

And then, before we even had a chance to play any of our packed soothing music or break into our supply of snacks, HE made an appearance. After less than four hours of actual effort, at 9:57, we were parents of a beautiful son. And yes, he was worth the 10 days of waiting past the estimated due date.

Every day is worth celebrating. But some days are especially memorable. For me, 3.14 will always be more valuable than any mathematical formula, and not just because we enjoy pie AND cake.

I remember those moments of realization that, "Hey, I'm a MOM!" My "baby" is now 21, and I am as thrilled to be his mother today as I was when I first held him.

Happy Birthday, Daddy

Happy birthday to you...

No, I won't sing all the verses to you, Daddy. Just wanted to call to wish you a happy birthday!

Did you have nice weather on your special day? It was pretty sunny here. Geez, over the last few weeks we've had lots of snow melt, leaving behind soggy grass and sloppy mud next to the piles left over from shoveling. Then, another inch or so falls to cover it all up again. More melt, more snow. Ah, the joys of late winter. (Don't want to jinx it by calling it "spring" quite yet.)

I hope you were out and about somewhere fun today. Isn't there a restaurant there that gives you a percentage discount to match your age? Hey, with that much off the price, the food wouldn't even have to be that good to make it worth the trip! 

There had better be cake and ice cream. I don't remember: Do you have a favorite birthday cake like we "kids" did? I'm a fan of just about any cake, actually. Let's just use a few candles to blow out, OK? I think we all reach a point when our cake doesn't need one candle for each and every year. I hope Mother found some St. Patrick's Day paper plates and napkins to use. Yeah, I know that it's two weeks until that holiday, but it's the closest one to your birthday. We have traditions to uphold! I saw lots of Easter stuff out, of course, when I was at the store today. Summer gear can't be far behind. 

Well, I won't keep you. You've probably got company coming over or have someplace else to go to celebrate. And since you're not a big "phone" person, I won't make you talk long on a day that revolves around YOU. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you, and I ... you know.

Yah, yah. OK.

Happy birthday, Daddy.

03/03/1932 - 12/12/2010